Adoptions

Forms, Fees & Filing Instructions

Forms

All forms mentioned in the instructions below are available in the Family Law/Probate/Adoptions Division of the Clerk’s office. The form is also available online through the Judicial Council of California. To obtain a free copy online, visit the Judicial Council’s website at http://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm and select “Adoption” from the drop-down menu.

Filing Fees

Petition for adoption (for each person to be adopted)$  20.00
Court investigation fees for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Uncontested$200.00
Court Investigation fees for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Contested$400.00
Court Investigation fees for Home Study for Report on Stepparent Adoptions when parties opt-out after an investigation has started Uncontested$250.00
Court Investigation for Home Study for Report of Adoption on Stepparent Adoptions Uncontested$500.00
Court Investigation for Home Study for Report of Adoption on Stepparent Adoptions Contested $600.00

Filing Instructions

Normal Hours

Drop box is open 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and phone hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The division is available by phone, email or in-person appointments only.

After Hours

For your convenience, there are drop boxes located at the Vallejo Branch Court and under the stairs on the second floor in the Hall of Justice in Fairfield, for dropping filing documents.

Fairfield Drop Box

Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

  • During the hours listed above, you may drop your papers for filing into the drop box at the civil clerk’s at the Old Solano Courthouse in Fairfield.
  • Documents deposited in the drop box between the hours of 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM are deemed to have been deposited for filing on that day. If your documents are deposited after 4:00 PM, they are deemed to have been deposited for filing on the next open court day
  • If your filing requires a fee, please securely attach a check, do not attach cash to your documents.
  • If you want an endorsed-filed copy returned to you, include an extra copy of your documents and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  • If an envelope is not provided, your copies will be available for thirty (30) days in the pickup box located in the clerk’s office.

Vallejo Drop Box

Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Documents deposited in the drop box between the hours of 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM are deemed to have been deposited for filing on that day. If your documents are deposited after 4:00 PM, they are deemed to have been deposited for filing on the next open court day
  • Documents placed in the drop box prior to 11:30 AM will be returned to Vallejo for pickup by 12 noon the following business day.
  • If you need your documents sooner, you may request to pick them up in Fairfield. Please attach a note to inform the clerk. Your documents may be picked up in Fairfield 8 AM – 5 PM at the following locations:
    • Family Law Clerk’s Office
      600 Union Avenue
      Fairfield, CA
  • If you would like an endorsed-filed copy mailed to you, please include an extra copy, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
  • Securely attach any fees due and do not attach cash.
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